After a long week of takeout and rushed meals, I found myself craving something comforting yet simple. That’s when I decided to whip up this Easy Salmon Onigiri Recipe using the leftover salmon and rice that had been sitting in my fridge. The moment I combined the warm, fluffy rice with the rich, smoky flavor of salmon and a kick of sriracha, I knew I had stumbled upon a delightful gem.
These onigiri aren’t just a perfect way to rescue leftovers; they’re a snack that brings smiles at any gathering or makes for a satisfying lunch. Each bite is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, easily elevating your dining experience in just a short time. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just someone looking to enjoy homemade goodness, you won’t believe how effortlessly these onigiri come together. So, let’s transform those leftovers into a dish that will have your friends and family clamoring for more!
Why is this Easy Salmon Onigiri Recipe a must-try?
Transformative: This recipe turns humble leftovers into something spectacular, melding the rich flavors of salmon with the comforting texture of rice.
Crispy Delight: With a beautifully golden exterior and a soft, flavorful inside, every bite is pure joy.
Quick Meal: Perfect for busy days, this dish comes together in no time, ideal for both lunch and dinner.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or spices, making each batch uniquely yours.
Crowd-Pleaser: These onigiri are not just a quick meal; they’re a guaranteed hit at gatherings, leaving everyone wanting more!
Discover other delightful ways to use leftovers in our ultimate guide to leftover cooking ideas.
Easy Salmon Onigiri Ingredients
For the Onigiri
• Leftover salmon – 4 ounces provides a rich, smoky flavor that elevates this dish.
• Kewpie mayo – 1 tablespoon adds a creamy texture and delicious umami taste.
• Sriracha – 1 tablespoon gives the onigiri a delightful kick and heats things up!
• Cooked plain rice – 3 cups of leftover rice form the hearty base of these easy salmon onigiri.
• Rice vinegar – 2 tablespoons balance the flavors with a hint of tanginess.
• Mirin – 2 tablespoons lend a touch of sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
• Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon enhances the nutty aroma when frying the onigiri.
For Serving
• Nori sheets – Cut lengthwise, they add a lovely crunch and wrap for your snacks.
• Furikake (optional) – A sprinkle of this condiment brings extra flavor and texture to your onigiri.
Ready to turn those leftovers into a satisfying meal? This Easy Salmon Onigiri Recipe is waiting to bring joy to your table!
How to Make Easy Salmon Onigiri
-
Combine: In a cozy mixing bowl, blend the leftover salmon, kewpie mayo, and sriracha. Mix gently until everything is well integrated and the creamy sauce clings to the salmon.
-
Mix: Add the cooked rice, rice vinegar, and mirin to your salmon mixture. Stir until the rice grains are evenly coated with the flavorful blend, creating a deliciously sticky texture.
-
Shape: With clean hands, take a portion of the rice mixture and form it into triangular or oval-shaped onigiri. It should feel firm enough to hold together but soft to the touch.
-
Fry: Heat sesame oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Carefully place the formed onigiri into the pan and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, achieving that delightful crispy texture.
-
Serve: Once perfectly golden, serve the onigiri with nori sheets for wrapping. Drizzle with furikake if desired to enhance that umami experience!
Optional: Serve with a side of pickled vegetables for a refreshing crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Easy Salmon Onigiri
Fridge: Store any leftover onigiri in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze un-fried onigiri in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Reheat frozen onigiri by pan-frying them directly from frozen until golden brown, ensuring they are heated through. Enjoy this easy salmon onigiri recipe at its best even after storage!
Room Temperature: There’s no need to keep onigiri at room temperature for over 2 hours; consume immediately to ensure safety and flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Salmon Onigiri are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the salmon, kewpie mayo, and sriracha up to 24 hours in advance, and store it in the refrigerator to preserve freshness. Additionally, shape the onigiri and keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days; just be sure to layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat up some sesame oil in the pan and fry the onigiri until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring the outside remains crispy while the inside stays soft and flavorful. These time-saving steps will have you enjoying homemade goodness with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Easy Salmon Onigiri?
Imagine a bright, inviting table where cozy flavors and vibrant colors meld into a memorable meal experience.
- Pickled Vegetables: The crunch of pickled vegetables refreshes the palate, creating a perfect balance with the rich salmon onigiri. Serve them alongside for a textural contrast.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup enhances the umami notes and offers a comforting, soothing experience, perfect for dipping your onigiri.
- Steamed Edamame: Bright green edamame adds a lovely touch of freshness, allowing your guests to nibble on something both healthy and delicious.
- Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw with carrots, cabbage, and sesame dressing brings a crispy, colorful salad option that brightens every hearty bite of onigiri.
- Teriyaki Chicken: For those craving a protein boost, teriyaki chicken’s sweet-savory glaze complements the onigiri’s flavors beautifully, ensuring no one leaves hungry.
- Green Tea: Refreshing and antioxidant-rich, a hot cup of green tea cleanses the palate and rounds out your meal splendidly.
- Chocolate Mochi: End your meal on a sweet note! The chewy texture and rich flavors of chocolate mochi provide the perfect bite-sized dessert after the delightful onigiri experience.
- Chilled Sake: Raise a glass of chilled sake to enhance your dining experience, as its subtle flavor notes elevate the entire meal.
- Spicy Mayo Dip: A little extra kick never hurt anyone! A quick dipping sauce of mayo and sriracha echoes the flavors of the onigiri while adding an extra zing.
Easy Salmon Onigiri Variations
Customize your onigiri to suit your flavor preferences and dietary needs!
- Spicy Kick: Add more sriracha or a dash of chili oil for an extra level of heat that will excite your taste buds.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a burst of freshness and vibrant flavors in each bite.
- Vegetable Medley: Incorporate finely diced vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers for added crunch and nutrition.
- Coconut Rice: Replace plain rice with coconut rice for a subtly sweet twist that complements the savory salmon beautifully.
- Pesto Delight: Swap out the kewpie mayo for pesto to create a herbaceous, rich filling that is sure to impress!
- Sushi-Style: Create sushi-style rolls instead of onigiri by spreading the mixture on nori sheets and rolling them up with avocado.
- Miso Marvel: Stir in a spoonful of miso paste into the salmon for a deeper umami flavor that adds complexity to the dish.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of mirin to keep the dish gluten-friendly without sacrificing any flavor!
Each of these variations can bring a new twist, making your Easy Salmon Onigiri Recipe not just a meal, but a culinary adventure!
Expert Tips for Easy Salmon Onigiri
• Prioritize Freshness: Always use fresh leftover salmon. If it smells off or has an unusual texture, it’s best to avoid it for this Easy Salmon Onigiri Recipe.
• Cool Rice: Ensure your rice is at room temperature. Hot rice will clump and make shaping difficult, leading to uneven onigiri.
• Seal the Edges: When shaping the onigiri, press firmly to seal the edges. This will prevent them from falling apart during frying.
• Perfect Frying: Use medium heat when frying to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning. Monitor closely as frying times may vary by stove.
• Customize Flavors: Feel free to adjust the sriracha level or try different sauces in the salmon mixture for a unique spin!
Easy Salmon Onigiri Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best leftover salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting leftover salmon, look for pieces that are firm and moist with no off-putting smell. Freshly cooked salmon is preferable, so if your salmon has been stored properly, it should be perfect for this Easy Salmon Onigiri Recipe.
How should I store my leftover salmon onigiri?
To maintain freshness, store any leftover onigiri in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
Can I freeze the onigiri? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your un-fried onigiri, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to prevent sticking and freeze them for about 1-2 hours. Once firm, transfer the onigiri to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, pan-fry them directly from frozen until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes.
What if my onigiri fall apart while frying?
Very! If your onigiri are falling apart, it may be due to not pressing the rice mixture tightly enough when shaping. Ensure your hands are slightly damp when handling the rice, and press firmly to seal the edges. You can also chill the shaped onigiri for about 30 minutes before frying to help them firm up.
Are salmon onigiri safe for pets?
It’s wise to avoid giving salmon onigiri to pets, especially because of the added ingredients like sriracha and mayo which can be harmful to them. Always ensure that any human food given to pets is free from potentially harmful ingredients.
Easy Salmon Onigiri Recipe: Make Magic from Leftovers!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a cozy mixing bowl, blend the leftover salmon, kewpie mayo, and sriracha until integrated.
- Add cooked rice, rice vinegar, and mirin to the salmon mixture and stir until coated.
- With clean hands, form the mixture into triangular or oval-shaped onigiri.
- Heat sesame oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Fry the onigiri until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve with nori sheets for wrapping, and drizzle with furikake if desired.